MORE than 3,000 young people, their parents, coaches, managers and friends descended on Lords Meadow football pitches at Crediton over the weekend for Crediton Youth FC's annual tournament. The Under 7s and U8s played friendlies, each team member getting a medal for taking part. This meant they played the full tournament but did not have the pressure of the knock out and reaching the final. New this year were the two marquees, replacing the one the club had used for more than 15 years, which was worn out and beginning to leak. The two marquees were thanks to £1,200 from Crediton Town Council Grant Aid through its Youth Fund. A grant of £450 from Devon County Council Locality Budget Fund through Cllr Nick Way went towards new kits. This two-day event is the club's main fundraiser, the money it raises allowing the club to work and train the number of young players, about 140, through the year. The team of organisers thanked all the parents who helped to prepare the pitches, helped all through the weekend and clearing up afterwards. During Sunday, a presentation was made to David Collins who has twice been chairman of Crediton Youth FC and was instrumental in it getting its FA Charter Standard. With the club for 14 years, David was helping with Yeoford Fun Day for 10 years previously. He now lives in Crediton. He has managed teams from Under 8s to U18. His wife, Sarah, has also done a lot for Crediton Youth FC such as registration and was a member of the committee for almost the whole time David was with the club and was much involved in the two-day tournament. David said this was "a great event" with 30 or 40 people who help every year. "We think this is the best such event in Devon, a great community event" he said. David runs his own telecoms business "with lots of very nice customers in Crediton." Crediton Youth FC helpers ran the food tent, cooking and serving baps with burgers or sausages, cakes, buns and soft drinks, plus there was a candy floss stand, ice creams and Alison Stoyle of East Village with her Krispy Crisps vehicle. RESULTS Under 9 - 1 Exeter Panthers 3, runner up - Alphington Allstars 0. Under 10 - 1 Culm Sandford Pumas 2, ru - Okehampton Argyle 1. Under 11 - 1 Heavitree Youth 1, ru Stoke Hill Madrid 0. Under 12 - 1 CS Tigers 1 (won on penalties), ru Central 1. Under 13 - 1 Plymstock United (won on penalties), ru Twyford 2. Under 14 - 1 Twyford Spartans 1, ru Moors Milan 0. Under 15 - 1 Thorverton 1, ru Hollacombe 0. Under 16 - 1 Tiverton Allstars 4, ru Fake Madrid 0. Sue Read Crediton Youth Blues Under 15s teams. SR 9972